Source: Gachegache road rehab gets priority – herald
Freeman Razemba in Kariba
PLANS to reconstruct the Chalala-Kanyati Road, commonly known as Gachegache Road, are at an advanced stage.
The 105-kilometre route will connect Kariba Urban and Rural, offering a long-awaited land alternative to the lake ferry that has historically been the area’s primary transport link.
The move comes after at least 92 bodies were recovered from Lake Kariba following the capsizing of a passenger vessel last Tuesday.
Formerly operated by the District Development Fund and now run by RIDA, the ferry was hit by strong local winds — known as the “Binga Wave” — while travelling from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp.
For years, most residents have preferred the 70‑kilometre lake crossing between Kariba Urban and Rural over the much longer road alternative via the Karoi‑Binga Road, which stretches 427 kilometres. With the planned reconstruction, the new road distance will be 313 kilometres — still longer than the water route, but a significant improvement over the existing land detour.
Yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo, and senior Government officials toured the road and met with engineers.
The visit followed a directive from President Mnangagwa instructing Minister Mhona to mobilise resources for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Karoi‑Binga Road, which would also improve access to Chalala, Mola, Siakobvu, and surrounding areas that depend heavily on lake transport.
In an interview after the tour, Minister Mhona said the inspection was aimed at finding lasting solutions for community mobility.
“We are seeing this road, which is about 105 kilometres, and the idea is to see how we can move with speed to promote accessibility and ensure the road is trafficable,” he said.
He emphasised that the project fits into the broader regional connectivity vision championed by President Mnangagwa, linking Zimbabwe to neighbouring countries through the Beira Corridor and the North‑South Corridor.
“The bigger picture is to connect with our neighbours – Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and the DRC – enhancing trade and tourism,” he added.
Minister Mhona said the rehabilitation would pave the way for the reintroduction of public transport, offering communities a reliable alternative to the boat service.
“Above all, we also think of how we can substitute the boat that was shortening the distance by over 200 kilometres. This is very important to make sure that no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
He revealed that his ministry has already engaged private operators and partners in Kariba to quickly provide another boat to ply the same route, ensuring continued lake access while the road is being developed.
Minister Chombo echoed the urgency, appealing for the immediate release of a replacement vessel — even a smaller one.
“It’s only 80 kilometres, and it links residents to their livelihood, which is fishing. There are many islands along the lake where they go to buy or catch fish. Although we are going to provide this road network, it will not resolve all problems immediately,” she said.
She pledged her office’s full support for any Government initiative aimed at improving service delivery for the people of Kariba.
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